International Day of the Midwife

What inspired you to join the midwifery workforce?

There isn’t a specific moment in time that I can say was my source of inspiration that drove me to become a midwife. Being a midwife is part of me, who I am and feels like part of my genetic make-up. I was meant to be a midwife; I don’t know why but I can’t imagine doing anything else. To me being a midwife is about wanting to make a difference every time you meet someone who is on a journey to become a parent, no matter how big or small that difference is, every one is important.  - Lisa Jesson, NHSE Workforce, Training and Education Deputy Lead Midwife.

Being trusted to provide care, advice and support to women and families on their special journey is a privilege. Midwifery is so fulfilling and rewarding, I love being able to empower women as they welcome a new life into the world. - Shannon, third year student midwife, University of Huddersfield.

My best friend inspired me. I watched her throughout her pregnancy at a young age and was amazed by all the things her body can do. Her midwives empowered her to become a beautiful, confident mother and I couldn’t imagine doing anything better as a career. I love witnessing and supporting the birth of a new life and the birth of a mother. - Courtney, first year student midwife, University of Huddersfield. 

Every mother, family, partner, baby and sibling can be massively impacted by the way they are treated and made to feel. I wanted to be a part of this. There is nothing else I would rather do. - Aisha, third year student midwife, Sheffield Hallam University

It's the privilege of being able to provide care and support for women, their partners and families throughout their pregnancy right from their first midwifery contact at booking until discharge. - Second year student midwife

I want to become a midwife as I want to be able to provide compassionate care to women and to empower them to be able to make their own evidence-based decisions. I love working with women and their families and building a relationship with them throughout their pregnancy, labour and early postnatal period. I received excellent care from my midwives whilst pregnant and I want to be able to provide the same level of care and support to other families and ensure that they have someone they can trust and rely on at a time when they are going through many changes and may need additional support. - Second year student midwife

Learning skills to advocate for women and provide evidence based care is something I am passionate about as well as contributing in reducing disparities by treating people equally and fairly, equipping them with knowledge to make informed decisions. - Second year student midwife

I wanted to become a midwife first and foremost to support and care for women. This course is giving me the skills and confidence to achieve this, following women through their pregnancy journey in its entirety (thanks to continuity of care), with the added privilege of catching some of their babies along the way! - Second year student midwife

I chose midwifery because I want to make a positive impact on women's lives. I hope to empower women to have the best possible birth whatever their circumstances and provide support throughout. I hope to be a positive part of women's journeys from the antenatal to postnatal period. - First year student midwife

My community midwife: June, inspired me to join the midwifery workforce. When I found myself suddenly and unexpectedly alone during my pregnancy in 2017 she took me under her wing and was the calm in my chaos. I just knew that I wanted to give back and hopefully be there for women, like June was for me, in a time of such need and vulnerability. I heard she has retired and I feel so blessed to have met her. - Alex, student midwife

As an advocate of women's rights, I cannot think of a more wonderful profession. To bear witness of the transition into motherhood is such a privilege and I very much hope to be part of the change in helping to shift the narrative around birth from one of fear to one of positivity. - Student midwife

After years of working within a very different industry and looking after people's holiday needs I had always felt the pull towards caring for women and their families. After having two children myself and after receiving respectful, professional and kind care throughout my pregnancy and birth I wanted to provide the same level of care and kindness to other families. So, I took the very big leap and have not looked back. I have found my calling in life and look forward to qualifying next year! - Student midwife

I knew I wanted to do a health-related job but it wasn’t until I witnessed a family members journey through pregnancy and early parenthood that I realised midwifery was the career for me. I knew I wanted a job where I could make a difference to peoples lives and their well-being and midwifery has definitely given me that opportunity! - Qualified midwife

"Each time a woman stands up for herself she stands up for all women”. This quote inspired me a lot in midwifery as it about women empowerment looking after our women and making them feel stronger. - First year student midwife

For me, I was fascinated that two cells could come together and create a human. I am very passionate about helping women and families through their journey, to ensure they have the best experience and the best start to motherhood that they can! - Beth, third year student midwife

 I was inspired to be a midwife due to the unique position of being able to advocate for all women. It is the opportunity to connect with each woman and be part of their individual birth story which I enjoy the most. - Student midwife

I love providing care as a midwife and have gained so much from working within maternity teams, and feel that this is absolutely the job I was born to do! I would recommend anyone who is passionate about caring for others and supporting people to have a high quality of life to join us as a future midwife. - Qualified midwife 

Watching the strength of someone close to me throughout their pregnancy and diagnosis of  Pemphigoid Gestation inspired me to support women throughout their journey’s in any way that I can. - Student midwife